What Do Bagels, the NFL Draft & 34 DOM Have in Common?

A new cult-favorite breakfast spot opens, the Strip District gets another glow-up, and the NFL Draft is bringing big changes.

Hey there, Pittsburgh!

This Week in Pittsburgh: Bagels, Big Views & a Market on the Move

As spring stirs Pittsburgh awake, this week’s highlights are anything but ordinary. A cult-favorite bagel shop finally opens its brick-and-mortar in Bloomfield, just as local headlines hint at a Strip District retail revival and the NFL Draft gets an official welcome. But it’s not just the food and football stealing the spotlight—real estate continues to surge with strong inventory, quick sales, and a subtle but steady shift in rates. Whether you're window-shopping luxury condos with panoramic skyline views or hunting for timeless charm in Point Breeze, there's something here to spark your curiosity.

If your new here or reading this for the first time I’m Pittsburgh’s Go-To Realtor, Expert in Luxury Homes & Strategic Real Estate Solutions, and someone who’s proud to combine small-town roots with big-city results. Over the years, I’ve sold millions of dollars worth of real estate, met some incredible people, and had the privilege of helping them buy and sell some truly amazing properties.

Let’s get into it. ⬇️

Pittsburgh Events

🎉 What’s Happening This Weekend in Pittsburgh?

🎤 Laugh Out Loud – Danae Hays Live
Feel like starting your weekend with a wild laugh? Danae Hays brings her Southern charm and viral storytelling to the stage Friday, March 29 at 8 PM. This one’s for the group chat.

🎶 Opera Night – ‘Madama Butterfly’ at the Benedum
Looking for something a little more elevated? ‘Madama Butterfly’ runs now through Sunday, March 31, delivering timeless music and heartbreak in one of Pittsburgh’s most beautiful venues.

🐟 Fish Fry Season Is Still Frying
Lent’s not over yet—and Pittsburgh’s legendary fish fry scene is thriving. Check out Community Kitchen, recently voted one of the top spots. Just don’t forget the tartar sauce.

⚽ Saturday Night Lights – Riverhounds vs. Birmingham
Soccer under the lights? Count us in. The Riverhounds face Birmingham Saturday, March 29 at 7 PM at Highmark Stadium. Bonus: It’s Pittsburgh Night.

👀 Still looking for plans? See the full event guide →

Standout Properties

🏡 Standout Homes of the Week

📍1000 Grandview Ave, Mt. Washington
Ever wonder what it’s like to live in a postcard? This sky-high condo puts you front and center with jaw-dropping, floor-to-ceiling views of Pittsburgh’s skyline, rivers, bridges—even PNC Park is in your daily line of sight. But this place is more than just a pretty face. From the chef’s kitchen and hand-crafted built-ins to the warm hardwood floors and wraparound balcony, every detail is curated for comfort and wow factor. You don’t just watch fireworks here—you own the view.
🔗 Take in the view for yourself

📍7405 Reynolds St, Point Breeze
This isn’t just a house—it’s the kind of home you daydream about when you’re stuck in traffic. Nestled on a storybook street in Point Breeze, this brick charmer has major main-character energy. Step inside and you’ll find sunlight pouring through skylights, a dreamy main-level suite with a spa bath, and a kitchen designed for real cooking and late-night snacking. The backyard? Peaceful, private, and somehow makes you forget you're in the city. Walk to parks, cafés, and a new international market coming soon.
🔗 Fall in love with Reynolds St

Local Eats

🥯 This Week’s Must-Try: The Bagel Shop That’s Selling Out Daily
If you haven’t been to Balena Bagels in Castle Shannon yet, put it on your weekend radar—stat.

This tiny shop is rolling out some of the crispiest, chewiest bagels in the ‘Burgh, and the hype is real. They hand-roll and kettle-boil everything in small batches—and yep, they’re often sold out by noon.

Bagel purists will love the classics, but the real stars are their loaded sandwiches (word on the street is the “Kenny” is life-changing). It’s walk-in only, so show up early, grab a coffee, and embrace the line—because it’s worth it.

📍 Here’s where to find Balena.
📌 And if you’re looking for more of my go-to eats in the city, I’ve got you: Check out my custom Pittsburgh food map.

📉 Market & Interest Rate Snapshot – March 7, 2025

💰 Mortgage Rates (as of 3/28/25)

Type

Rate

Change

30-Year Fixed

6.79%

⬇️ 0.03%

15-Year Fixed

6.16%

⬇️ 0.08%

FHA 30-Year

6.21%

⬇️ 0.04%

VA 30-Year

6.22%

⬇️ 0.04%

10-Year Treasury

4.256%

⬇️ 0.11%

📊 Market Activity – Pittsburgh (Past 7 Days)

  • 🏡 New Listings: 729

  •  Homes Under Contract: 841 (Contingent + Under Contract)

  • 🔄 Homes Sold: 526

  • 💸 Median Sale Price: $222,000 ⬇️ (from $235,000)

  • ⏱️ Avg. Days on Market: 62 ⬆️ (from 36)

💡 What This Means
📈 Buyers: More listings = more options, but act fast—homes are still selling close to list price.
🏠 Sellers: Well-priced homes are landing near 98.42% of list. But beware: overpricing = longer days on market.

📌 Special Note: This data includes Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. These stats reflect single-family homes only—if you're looking for multi-family investment data, email me!

Local Headlines

📰 Local Headlines: What’s Happening in Pittsburgh

🍦 A Pittsburgh legend is back in the mix. Isaly’s is opening a new shop in the Strip District, bringing back memories (and chipped ham) for generations of locals. Expect old favorites and a fresh look that bridges nostalgia with a modern twist.

🛍️ Sephora is coming to the Strip. The beauty giant is opening a new location at the Strip District Terminal, adding to the neighborhood’s rising profile as a top-tier shopping destination.

🏈 The NFL Draft is coming, and Pittsburgh is gearing up. VisitPittsburgh is planning major upgrades to Point State Park as we prepare to host the 2026 NFL Draft. With over a million visitors expected, this could be a game-changer for tourism and downtown revitalization.

💛 TikTok raised $140K for an Eat’n Park waitress. After a viral video from a longtime customer, Betty, an 81-year-old server, is stepping into retirement with support from across the country—and a whole lot of love from Pittsburgh.

🧠 Real Estate Tip of the Week

The #1 Mistake First-Time Buyers Make?
Waiting until they “feel ready.”

Here’s what they don’t tell you:
You don’t need perfect credit.
You don’t need 20% down.
And you definitely don’t need to have it all figured out.

You just need a starting point.
➡️ Take the 60-second Game Plan for Homeownership and see how close you really are.

Your future home might be a lot closer than you think.

📝 Recent Blog Posts You May Have Missed

📌 7 Essential Home Buyer Tips Most People Overlook
Thinking about buying a home? Don't make these common mistakes. Read more →

💳 Credit Card Payment Hacks to Improve Your Home Buying Power
Want to boost your financial profile for a mortgage? These smart strategies can help. Check it out →

🏡 Real Estate Revelations: Fresh Market Trends & Weekend Highlights
Get the latest insights on Pittsburgh’s housing market and what’s happening around town. Catch up here →

Thinking About Buying or Selling?

Let’s chat about how to navigate Pittsburgh’s real estate market. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, I’m here to help. Hit reply, or schedule a consultation here: 15 Min Consultation

 

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Thanks for letting me be a part of your inbox this week! I hope you found these insights helpful, whether you're a curious Pittsburgher, a buyer, a seller, or an investor. As always, I’m here to answer any real estate questions or just chat about the market.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead,
Tim

Tim Pettigrew
Realtor | eXp Realty
📍 Serving Pittsburgh and Surrounding Areas
📞 412-545-6006 | ✉️ [email protected]
🌐 Visit My Website

Disclaimer:
This email is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a solicitation if your property is currently listed with another broker. All real estate information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Please consult a professional for specific advice.

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